If elected I shall campaign strongly to restore the democratic rights of National Trust members and overturn the Quick vote, recently condemned by a former Trust chairman, whereby members are invited to just put one cross to support Trust-recommended candidates and resolutions, without needing to investigate who or what they are voting for. How on earth can this be squared with genuine democracy and our motto of for everyone? The Trust should strive to avoid controversy, such as this and one sparked by excluding Christmas and Easter from a volunteer calendar.

Q. What Inspires you to seek election?

In addition to the above I am motivated to pressure the Trust to keep to its statutory role, safeguarding our heritage, not working its remit to spend our charity’s money, as it has done, on campaigns for or against government policies.

Q. What skills and knowledge would you bring to the Council to help the Trust be ‘for everyone, for ever’?

My lifetime passionate interest has been visiting historic houses, gardens and landscapes. My career was analysing and advising business and I have been a trustee supporting heritage bodies and active in many others, all highly useful for a Council member.

Q. What should be the Trust’s focus in it’s next 10-year strategy?

The Trust should focus on, amongst aims not mentioned above: caring for employees, volunteers and tenants, respecting donors wishes and not undermining donors.

Q. Anything else?

If elected, during my term I commit to and will much enjoy every Trust open house and garden, seeking ways in which our offering might be improved. Hopefully the Trust will repudiate its report referencing an outdated mansion experience.